MRes Media Research
Stirling, United Kingdom
DURATION
12 up to 24 Months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
GBP 20,600 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* international (including EU) students | students from the UK and Republic of Ireland: £9,500
Key Summary
Introduction
Overview
The course is a recognised Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) 1+3 pathway. The 1+3 scheme provides funding for this one-year research training linked to a PhD programme and is designed for students who have not already completed an ESRC-recognised programme of research training.
This interdisciplinary Masters degree is jointly taught by leading academics in media and social science research. You’ll gain both a theoretical and practical understanding of social science research methods, and learn how to apply these to the media and cultural industries. Covering social sciences and humanities approaches, our Masters will give you training in advanced media research methods. You’ll be encouraged to explore your own research interests, gain real-world experience in research and develop your own research projects throughout the course.
The degree is primarily targeted at anyone needing research training before embarking on a higher research degree, such as a PhD. The course also offers an excellent grounding in social science methods, which are transferable to media research for industry, journalism, marketing and advertising research, production research and wider aspects of social research consultancy.
Enhancing your employability is one of our top priorities. That’s why all MRes Media Research students are given the opportunity for a research placement as part of our course where you can apply your learning to the real world.
Admissions
Curriculum
The MRes Media Research degree consists of two components: a taught course and a dissertation. The taught course takes place over an academic year. You’ll take three modules in the Autumn Semester and three modules in the Spring Semester, making for a total of six taught modules across the year.
Modules
Starting September, full time (Stirling Campus)
Year one: Autumn semester
Compulsory module
- Research Design and Process (ASRP002) 20 credits
- Quantitative Data Analysis (ASRP004) 20 credits
- Research Methods (MMAPP12) 20 credits
Year one: Spring semester
Compulsory module
- Qualitative Data Analysis (ASRP005) 20 credits
- Applied Methods (MERPP13) 20 credits
Option module - Select 20 credits from Media Research options list
- The Nature of Social Enquiry (ASRP001) 20 credits
- Advanced Quantitative Methods (ASRP026) 20 credits
- Visual Communication Design (CMCPP13) 20 credits
- Media Regulation and Policy (MMAPP14) 20 credits
- Digital Culture for Media Managers (MMAPP16) 20 credits
Year one: Summer semester
- Dissertation (MERPP07) 60 credits
Research
Communications, Media and Culture at the University of Stirling was ranked 2nd in Scotland overall in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), with 100% of our research environment and 88% of our overall research classed as world-leading or internationally excellent.
Course details
The MRes Media Research degree consists of two components: a taught course and a dissertation. The taught course takes place over an academic year. You’ll take three modules in the Autumn Semester and three modules in the Spring Semester, making for a total of six taught modules across the year.
Teaching
The course involves lectures, seminars, tutorials and supervisory meetings, as well as a research project and case study work. A dissertation proposal must be submitted by the beginning of the Spring Semester when supervisors are allocated. You’ll be expected to stay within the areas of current staff interests and expertise. Each dissertation is approximately 12,000 words in length and may take the form of a written publishable academic article or a project report, depending on its focus.
Assessment
Assessment is conducted by means of coursework as specified for each module. This includes essays, a literature review, a research report, a seminar presentation and a media text.
Gallery
Career Opportunities
Our course is ideal preparation for those wanting to go on to complete a PhD. It also offers an excellent grounding in social science methods that are transferable to media research for industry, marketing research, advertising research and production research.
Graduates have gone on to successful careers as academic researchers and in a range of careers in the media and related industries.
Employability skills
We offer a comprehensive employability and skills programme to help you maximise your time at university and develop the graduate attributes required by employers. Our dedicated Faculty Employability and Skills Officer and Careers and Employability Service work in partnership with academic staff to ensure you get the best out of your university experience and are given the right opportunities to make you ready for the world of work.
Students have access to advice, information and career opportunities not only in the UK but worldwide.